In a significant coup for the St. John's men's basketball program, Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman has committed to the Red Storm, according to sources familiar with the recruitment. The 6-foot-9 forward, one of the most sought-after players remaining in the transfer portal, chose St. John's over a strong push from Kentucky, with the decision finalized on Monday. This move bolsters the frontcourt for coach Rick Pitino as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Freeman, a Washington, D.C., native and a top-10 recruit from the 2024 high school class, brings a wealth of talent and experience to Queens, New York. During his sophomore year at Syracuse, he earned honorable mention All-ACC honors, averaging an impressive 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. His freshman season showed similar promise, with 13.4 points and 7.9 rebounds, though it was interrupted by a fracture in his right foot that cut his campaign short.
Adding to his challenges, Freeman dealt with a lower-body injury in November of his sophomore year, which sidelined him for nine games before he returned for the start of Atlantic Coast Conference play. Despite these setbacks, his versatility as a forward has made him a prized commodity in the transfer market. Sources indicated that St. John's ability to surge ahead in the final 48 hours of recruitment played a key role in securing his commitment.
Kentucky had emerged as the frontrunner in recent weeks, even hosting Freeman for an official campus visit last week. The Wildcats, under new coach Mark Pope—who previously worked with Pitino at Louisville—were perceived as the favorites. However, Pitino, leveraging his extensive coaching network and the appeal of Madison Square Garden, ultimately prevailed in what sources described as a tight battle.
This commitment marks Freeman's first major decision in the portal era, highlighting the competitive nature of college basketball recruiting in 2024. The transfer portal, which opened earlier this year, has seen a flurry of movement among top talents seeking better fits or NIL opportunities. For St. John's, Freeman represents a direct replacement in the starting lineup, filling the void left by departing forwards Dillon Mitchell and Bryce Hopkins, who exhausted their eligibility or pursued other paths.
St. John's has been active in building its roster this offseason, with Freeman becoming the team's first addition from the transfer portal. He joins a pair of international signees: point guard Quinn Ellis and wing Djordje Jovanovic, both expected to bring fresh energy to the backcourt and wings. Pitino, in his second year at the helm, has emphasized building a deep and talented frontcourt to compete in the competitive Big East Conference.
Freeman's addition is particularly timely as St. John's looks to rebound from a solid but unspectacular 2023-24 season under Pitino, where the Red Storm finished with a 20-13 record but missed the NCAA Tournament. His scoring prowess and rebounding ability could elevate the team's offensive output, especially in matchups against physical Big East foes like UConn and Villanova. Analysts have noted that Freeman's skill set—combining perimeter shooting with interior presence—aligns perfectly with Pitino's fast-paced, defensive-oriented system.
Looking back at Freeman's high school career, he was a standout at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, where he helped lead the team to multiple championships. His recruitment out of high school drew interest from blue-blood programs, ultimately choosing Syracuse for its tradition in developing big men. The Orange, however, underwent significant changes this year, including the firing of long-time coach Jim Boeheim's successor Adrian Autry in a surprising move, which prompted Freeman's entry into the portal.
Sources close to the situation told ESPN that Pitino's personal touch was instrumental. Having coached Pope at Louisville, Pitino's familiarity with Kentucky's staff may have given him an edge in negotiations. "St. John's made a compelling case in the last push," one source said, emphasizing the program's vision for Freeman as a cornerstone player.
Beyond Freeman, St. John's recruitment efforts continue unabated. The Red Storm are now turning their attention to Arizona State transfer Massamba Diop, a 7-foot freshman center who is expected to visit the Queens campus this week. Diop, known for his shot-blocking ability and potential as a rim protector, is also being pursued by Gonzaga, setting up another high-stakes battle for Pitino's staff.
The broader context of the transfer portal underscores the evolving landscape of college athletics. With the implementation of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, players like Freeman have more leverage to choose programs that offer not just basketball development but also financial and branding opportunities. St. John's, backed by strong booster support in New York City, has positioned itself as an attractive destination for urban recruits seeking exposure.
For Kentucky, the miss on Freeman is a setback in what has been a busy offseason for Pope. The Wildcats have already secured several commitments, but losing out on a player of Freeman's caliber could impact their depth in the frontcourt. Sources suggest Kentucky will pivot to other portal targets, potentially looking at international options or under-the-radar transfers to round out the roster.
As the summer progresses, the ripple effects of Freeman's decision will be felt across the ACC and Big East. Syracuse, now without one of its top performers, must rebuild its frontcourt, while St. John's gains momentum heading into exhibition play. Fans in New York are already buzzing about the potential of a lineup featuring Freeman alongside returners like Joel Soriano and incoming freshmen.
In the end, this commitment signals Pitino's aggressive approach to roster construction, aiming to return St. John's to national prominence. With the season tipping off in November, all eyes will be on how quickly Freeman integrates and whether Diop's visit yields another win for the Red Storm. For now, the program can celebrate a key piece falling into place.
The Appleton Times will continue to monitor developments in college basketball recruiting as the portal window closes later this month.